Washington weather in May
May in Washington averages 77°F by day and 58°F at night, with 3.9 inches of precipitation. It is the 5th-warmest and 3rd-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 77°F+9° vs April
- Average low
- 58°F0 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 3.9 in7 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 0.0 in2 days at 90°F+
Is May a good time to visit Washington?
Yes. May is one of the most comfortable months in Washington by our rule (highs of 62 to 86°F, lows of 42°F or more and under 4.5 inches of precipitation). The most comfortable months overall are April to June and September to October.
Get outside in Washington in May
May is made for being outside. Try Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial. All things to do in Washington.
On May 15 the sun rises at 5:55 am and sets at 8:13 pm, giving 14h 18m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Washington in May
- Summer clothes, with a light layer for air conditioning
- An umbrella or rain jacket
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
May nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 77°F | 58°F | 3.9 in | |
| Arlington, VA | 5 mi | 77°F | 58°F | 3.9 in |
| Silver Spring, MD | 7 mi | 77°F | 58°F | 3.9 in |
| Alexandria, VA | 7 mi | 77°F | 58°F | 3.9 in |
| Bethesda, MD | 9 mi | 77°F | 58°F | 3.9 in |
| Reston, VA | 15 mi | 75°F | 53°F | 4.7 in |
| Columbia, MD | 23 mi | 76°F | 53°F | 3.9 in |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Washington in May?
In May, Washington averages a high of 77°F and a low of 58°F, with 3.9 inches of precipitation (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is May a good time to visit Washington?
Yes. May is one of Washington's most comfortable months by our rule: highs between 62°F and 86°F, lows of 42°F or more and modest rain.
Does it snow in Washington in May?
Rarely. The May snowfall normal is under half an inch.
Before and after: Washington in April and Washington in June. All twelve months: Washington weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station Washington Reagan Airport, VA, 3.3 miles from the city center.